Given annually to a mental health professional that has provided significant contributions to the behavioral health system over an extended period of time, the award was presented during the association's annual meeting and training conference held October 24 in Franklin.

In his presentation TAMHO president-elect Earl Medley said, "Joe is widely viewed as an outstanding leader in the mental health community and as a resource for professionals, families and consumers. He has provided leadership for MTMHI for the past 12 years and has developed that hospital's reputation for providing care that is among the best in the state.

"He consistently is an assertive voice in issues around policy development and has devoted countless hours to service on groups like the Mental Health Planning Council, the TennCare Partners Roundtable, the Governor's Task force on TennCare, the Title 33 Revision Commissioner and similar endeavors," he added.

A career employee of the Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Carobene began as a central office budget analyst in 1972. He served as program analyst, mental health administrator and in 1975 as assistant superintendent at Greene valley Developmental Center. Later he served as acting superintendent at Lakeshore Mental Health Institute and from 1977 to 1989 was assistant superintendent at Clover Bottom Developmental Center. During his 12 years at MTMHI, he also served as interim superintendent for Memphis Mental Health Institute.

Carobene holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Austin Peay State University and served with the United States Air Force with duty in Texas and Korea.